Why Doesn't Water Spill from a Bucket Tied to a String in Circular Motion?

AI Thread Summary
When a bucket of water is spun in a circle, the water does not spill due to the balance of forces acting on it. The centripetal force, which is directed inward, keeps the water in circular motion, while gravity pulls the water downwards. At the top of the circle, the gravitational force and the tension in the string work together to maintain the water's position. At the bottom, the tension in the string must be sufficient to counteract gravity and provide the necessary centripetal force. Understanding these forces clarifies why the water remains in the bucket during circular motion.
oliviecheng
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a bucket of water is tied to a string and spun in a circle, why don’t the water spill out?can somebody help me explain detailly?


thx a lot
 
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If the bucket is going fast enough, the water will stay in a circle. What equations do you know?
 
Try thinking about the forces acting on the water (and the bucket) while the bucket is at the top and bottom of the circle. Draw a free body diagram or two, it should help you out a bit.

Hope that helps,
illu45
 
Hi, i just thought i would add a question to this, its not for my homework, but more for my own knowledge

how can you explain why the water stays in the bucket without using the centrifugal force? i understand the centripetal force pulling inwards, the gravitational force downwards, there is some tension on the rope, but i just need the final bit...?
 
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